Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

20-24 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

30-50 inches

Ornamental Use
Ways in which the product may be used in the garden for ornamental effect.

Beds, Borders

Life Cycle
This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.

Annual

Growth Habit
The genetic tendency of a plant to grow in a certain shape, such as vining or bush like.

Start IndoorsStart Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summer

TransplantTransplant
When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for spring

Start OutdoorsStart Outdoors
Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summer

Start Indoors FallStart Indoors Fall
Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

Transplant FallTransplant Fall
Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fall

Start Outdoors FallStart Outdoors Fall
Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

First Date: May-09 - Last Date: Jun-01

First Date: Mar-21 - Last Date: Apr-04

First Date: May-09 - Last Date: Jun-01

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

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Dec

Growing information

Nasturtium may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden after frost, or grown from potted plants.

Note: When sowing from seed, before sowing, gently rub the seed with a nail file to aid germination, as nasturtium has a hard seed coat.

Sowing Seed Indoors:

Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost using a seed starting kit. It is best to use a large celled kit, or fiber pots as nasturtium roots are easily damaged when transplanting.

Sow seeds ½ inch deep in seed starting soil

Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees

Seedlings emerge in 10-14 days

As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.

Transplant hardened-off seedlings to the garden after the frost.

Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

Sowing Directly in the Garden

Direct sow seeds in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.

Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.

Sow seeds ½ inch deep 12 inches apart.

Firm soil lightly, water and keep evenly moist.

Seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days.

Planting Potted Plants:

Select a location in full sun with moist, well drained organic soil.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.

Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.

Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Set level with the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand leaving a slight depression around the plant to hold water. Be careful to not disturb the roots as nasturtiums can resent being transplanted.

Water thoroughly, so that a puddle forms in the saucer you have created. This settles the plants in, drives out air pockets and results in good root-to-soil contact.

Use the plant tag as a location marker.

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.

Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.

Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.

Do not over fertilize as nasturtiums prefer a poor soil.

Climbing varieties will need some training and support on their upward journey.

Deadhead to keep plants flowering longer.

Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.

Remove plants after they are killed by frost in fall to avoid disease issues the following year.

Nasturtiums do best in areas with relatively cool summers, but usually, they can grow anywhere.

Nasturtiums cut for vases often root in water.

Nasturtiums are pretty annuals to use as edgings or at the front of a flower bed with other low-growing annuals and perennials. Allow plants to trail over walls or raised beds, and use them to add summertime color to rock gardens. They also look beautiful in containers and window boxes.